Loki-doke: Dog Perspective on Running
I thought it would be fun to share a little more of my creative writing. This is in the point-of-view of the dog, Loki, who once had the habit of running.
10 Things you’ll Find in Michi’s Room
Michi’s room stays very tidy. But I hope she doesn’t constantly return all of her items out of worry over what people think of her. I hope she can relax and be herself in her own room.
DOGGY SWEATER, a Poem for the Young at Heart
A poem about a toddler's reaction to a dog wearing a doggy sweater which brought me back to my childhood. Celebrating cute pups & the free joy of a child's laughter.
“The Can-Do Karate Kid” Color Testing
Here’s a peek at the colors I considered for the lead characters in "The Can-Do Karate Kid." The boy, Makoto, is the protagonist. The slug monster is named Laziness. And the snail monster is Procrastination in the book.
List of 10 Things in Makoto’s Room
Makoto, the main character in my children’s picture book, likes to keep it fun. Here we get to know this nine-year-old boy by the things in Makoto's room.
Symbol for Ryukyu on Book Cover
The name for this symbol for Ryukyu is the mitsudomoe. Mitsudomoe has a literal meaning of “three comma-looking shapes.” The Ryukyu island chain makes up what used to be an independent country called the Ryukyu Kingdom. That is what it was when they developed the martial arts there which were later called karate.
Children’s Picture Book Illustration Evolution
My children’s picture book illustration and writing continue to supply me with adventures. I’d like to share the evolution of the pictures on one page.
Kempo Fist Symbolism on Book Cover
“The Can-Do Karate Kid” cover has three symbols: the Liberty Bell, the symbol for Okinawa, and a fist. In martial arts, the fist symbolism is for kempo...
Plot Armor: for Writers and Others
I associate plot armor with typical American stories. Plot armor exists in both novels and Hollywood productions. As a general rule, the good guy always wins. He has plot armor. He may encounter un-survivable situations, yet he survives.
“The Can-Do Karate Kid” Cover Liberty Bell
Someone asked me why I have the Liberty Bell as one of the symbols on the cover of my debut karate children’s picture book. It was not random or an accident. I thoughtfully and purposefully chose that symbol. It is only one aspect of “The Can-Do Karate Kid” cover symbolism. Join me as we explore this symbol on the cover and what it represents.